Homeschool Classes

Natural Science Experiences in the Field

2026-27 School Year

From seeds, soils, and sunlight to microscopic organisms in a droplet of water, when we observe and ask questions, there is so much to learn from the world around us. Programs are offered two times per school year, especially for homeschooled students. Topics rotate from year to year. 

Click here for registration information. 

October 12, 2026   1:00-2:45​​​​​
Fee: $12 per student

What Is a Scientist?, Ages 5-7        
Scientists are curious people who like to understand the world around them. In this class, students will practice asking questions, making observations, and forming conclusions. An interactive puppet show, a leaf-observation activity, and a seasonal hike will be included in this experience. 

Seed Detectives, Ages 8-10  
Every habitat is shaped by the plants and animals that call it home. In this class, students will explore the life cycle of trees and then use dichotomous keys to identify leaves and seeds. On a guided hike, they’ll search for seeds in the park, discover the many ways seeds travel through nature, and learn how plants, animals, and their habitats depend on one another to survive.

Plankton Studies, Ages 11-14
Discover the vital role plankton plays in the transfer of energy through food chains, the production of atmospheric oxygen, and the absorption of carbon dioxide on our blue planet! Students will learn to prepare a live plankton slide and then, using a compound microscope, will observe their adaptations and classify the amazing world of microorganisms within a single drop of water.

April 5, 2026   1:00-2:45​​​​​
Fee: $12 per student

Seasonal Science, Ages 5-7        
Why do we have seasons, and how do plants and animals survive them? Students explore how Earth’s journey around the sun drives seasonal change and shapes life throughout the year. Through an active game, students become chipmunks, gathering resources to survive all four seasons. On the trail, they use UV wands to explore how sunlight varies across habitats. A visit with an ambassador animal explores how wildlife responds to seasonal cues.

Soil Sleuths, Ages 8-10
The “Soil Chef” will help students understand the difference between soil & dirt and give the recipe for soil.  Students will hike to the QH sandstone cave and also sift & sort soil samples into their components.   

Karst Geology, Ages 11-14
Students will work at hands-on experiment stations to learn about the geology under our feet, how our limestone bedrock forms caves, and how it affects groundwater quality.

 

HOW TO REGISTER

Registration is accepted online only.  Registration is not accepted by phone or mail. If you require assistance with online registration, please call 507-328-3950 Mon–Fri from 9 am–4 pm. Classes require full payment at the time of registration. 

WHEN TO REGISTER

Registration begins 

• If your child has a particular educational/classroom need, please make Quarry Hill aware prior to the start date of class so we can provide the best experiences for students.
• Parents do not need to stay with their student. 
• Only children registered for the class may attend (no siblings).
• ​​​​​​​Epi-Pens:  If your child requires an Epi-Pen (or equivalent) and a parent/guardian is not accompanying the child for the duration of the class, a current copy of the child’s anaphylaxis plan must be submitted to the Nature Center office prior to the class start date. 

CANCELLATIONS

If you cancel your registration more than 10 business days before the program, you will receive a 75% refund. No refunds are issued within 10 business days of the program.